It’s the eighth largest country in the world, with 40 million people and vast climatic extremes. Its capital is often called the “Paris of South America.” And for the first time, it finally has a Barbie® doll to call its own.

Say “¡Hola!” to Argentina Barbie Doll, one of four new dolls to join the historic Dolls of the World® Collection. Since 1980, this series has spanned the globe, featuring the cultural heritage of six continents and traditional influences on modern style.

In addition to breaking ground with Argentina Barbie, the 2012 line charts new territory in other ways, too. The overall design theme is “more whimsical and heavily inspired by classic illustrated travelogues,” says designer Linda Kyaw. With this fresh direction, Linda and the rest of the team hope the dolls appeal to both long-time fans as well as the next generation of doll collectors.

Classic countries have made the leap to the new-look line, represented by China Barbie® Doll and Ireland Barbie® Doll. The line also heads “Down Under” for the first time in nearly 20 years with Australia Barbie® Doll, thanks to popular demand within the collector community.

But the real star of the line is the newcomer, Argentina Barbie! Ready to cut a rug in her dramatic single-shouldered charmeuse tango dress, she also features quiet little fashion touches made with the entire 2012 line in mind. “We wanted to offer variety in every way possible, from the selection of the countries down to the hair colors for each doll,” Linda notes, adding that “sometimes, it’s the subtle elements that make a doll memorable!” For Argentina Barbie, that element is the rose anklet, which gives “an unexpected sweetness to her outfit.”

Argentina Barbie and the rest of the 2012 Dolls of the World also come in brand-new collectible packaging, designed to evoke the iconic travel trunk. For de-boxers, it offers a way to add travel keepsakes, and for NRFB (“never removed from box”) collectors, it’s a colorful new way to display your dolls.

The 2012 Dolls of the World have come from four corners of the earth into the online shop, and it’s time for them to make the last leg of their journey – home to you, or into the arms of friends and family with a passion for Barbie and a desire to look beyond the horizon. Shop the collection now!